What Is Strep Throat?
Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes that affects the throat and tonsils. Common symptoms include a sore throat, pain when swallowing, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
Not all sore throats are caused by bacteria. Many are viral and do not require antibiotics. Healthcare providers may use tools such as the Centor Score to determine the likelihood of a bacterial infection and decide if testing is needed.
Symptoms of Strep Throat
Look out for:
- Sudden sore throat
- Pain when swallowing
- Red, swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches
- Swollen, tender lymph nodes in the neck
- Fever
- Headache
Why Choose On-Site Point-of-Care Testing?
- Fast Results: Get results in about 15 minutes.
- Convenience: Testing is done on-site during your pharmacy visit.
- Timely and Accurate Results: Quick identification helps guide proper treatment and symptom relief.
What to Expect During Your Test
- Check-In: Complete a patient registration form at the pharmacy counter.
- Consent: Sign a consent form before the throat swab.
- Throat Swab: A trained healthcare professional will collect a sample from the back of your throat. This may cause brief discomfort, such as gagging or minor irritation.
- Results: Processed using a rapid Strep A test, results are available in about 15 minutes.
- Service Fee: A service fee applies. Fees are not covered by public health plans. Please ask our pharmacy team for details.
Follow-Up Care
- Positive Result: Your healthcare provider will assess you and determine if treatment is needed. In some provinces, pharmacists may be authorized to prescribe antibiotics for strep throat when clinically appropriate. See your pharmacist for details. If prescribed, take antibiotics exactly as directed. Stay hydrated and rest. Over-the-counter symptom relief may also be recommended.
- Negative Result: If symptoms continue or worsen, follow up with your healthcare provider. Your pharmacist may recommend symptom-relief options.
Book Your Test
Selected locations offer Strep A testing.